ALDOT nixes southside bridge restriping

The Alabama Department of Transportation has decided against restriping the old Southside bridge for two-lane northbound traffic on Alabama Highway 77. ALDOT officials also say the bridge won't be replaced without additional revenue.

ALDOT Region Pre-Construction Engineer Les Hopson, said comments at a public hearing in November about the restriping plan , most of which were negative,  contributed to the decision to put it on hold.

Region Engineer Johnny Harris said traffic lighting timing changes have improved traffic at the bridge and Etowah County is building a merge lane for traffic from Whorton Bend Road onto Alabama Highway 77.

Harris said the state used some special appropriated money for preliminary engineering work on the bridge. That was all the money it received for the bridge through the usual federal channels.

Harris said there is no funding that's available for final design work, any right of way acquisition, utility relocation or construction to replace the bridge.